Vote came despite opposition from church
BELGRADE, Serbia — Serbia’s government has approved a law against discrimination despite opposition from the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The approval on Friday, March 13 comes a week after the government withdrew the draft bill upon request from the church, which demanded changes to the articles on gay rights and religious freedoms.
Labor Minister Rasim Ljajic says only minor changes have been made to the original draft. He suggested the church remains opposed to the law, which also must be passed in the Parliament.
The church has declined comment.
The law is part of pro-EU reform. It is crucial for gaining visa-free travel for Serbia’s citizens to 27 EU member nations.